dab1

to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist: The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.

to apply (a substance) by light strokes: He dabbed the ointment on the rash.

to strike, especially lightly, as with the hand.

to consume (cannabis) by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.

Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.

Western U.S.to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something: Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.

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verb (used without object),dabbed,dab·bing.

to strike lightly; make a dab; pat: She dabbed at the stain on her dress.

to consume cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil. She dabs for a more intense high.

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noun

a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.

a small moist lump or mass: a dab of butter.

a small quantity: a dab of powder.

a dose of cannabis extract oil.

a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often performed as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.

Word Origin and History for dabbed

dab

v.

c.1300, dabben "to strike," of unknown origin, perhaps imitative. Modern sense of "strike with a slight, quick pressure" developed by mid-16c., influenced by French dauber (see daub). Related: Dabbed; dabbing. As a noun from c.1300, "heavy blow with a weapon." Dab hand is British slang, 1828, from dab "expert" (1690s), said to be school slang, of unknown origin, perhaps from dab in the "strike lightly" sense.